English Premier League giants Manchester United last night recorded a slim 1-0 win over Russia’s CSKA Moscow at their Old Trafford base to keep hopes of moving into the second round of the 2015 UEFA Champions League alive.

It was a largely tense affair as United struggled to create chances, increasing the anxiety and frustration amongst their supporters who had seen their darling team fail to score in their last three games.

CSKA Moscow came with a clear-cut plan to frustrate United and hit them on the break. Nigerian international and Super Eagles new captain Ahmed Musa led the line for the Russian team. He was a constant threat with his pace and direct running with the ball.

The turning point came with about 12 minutes to the end of the match when Seydou Doumbia almost scored for CSKA. Musa freed the burly attacker with a clever pass and coming one-on-one against United’s goalie David De Gear, he tried to poke the ball to the keeper’s left. The Spaniard was however alert and saved with his finger tip. Doumbia looked certain to score from the rebound but Damian and Ashley Young threw their bodies bravely to block the ball.

United punished CSKA Moscow moments later when a clever jabbed pass in the air by Jesse Lingard was headed in by skipper Wayne Rooney for the game’s only goal.

United are now top of Group B with seven points.

•Photo shows skipper Wayne Rooney, whose goal fetched Manchester United victory against CSKA Moscow . . . last night at Old Trafford.